About ZymeCO
Our story
ZymeCO was born from an innovative idea sparked around the dinner table in 2021. Thaddaus Huber, a PhD scientist with over 15 years of experience in protein engineering and biomanufacturing, had recently started a fermentation company dedicated to creating high-performance biological solutions for turf and agriculture. During a conversation with his father-in-law, Armen Suny—a former golf course superintendent and seasoned industry expert—an intriguing idea emerged. The summer before, Armen had seen thatch collapse disease for the first time and was amazed by how rapidly a natural fungus was able to break down thatch. He told Thaddaus, “If you could bottle whatever that fungus is producing and spray it, you’d solve one of the biggest problems turf managers face—thatch accumulation.”
Thaddaus pitched the idea to his former grad school roommate, Michael Cantrell, and they went to work replicating those powerful enzymes through precision fermentation in Tad’s home office. What started as small-scale R&D rapidly scaled into nationwide field testing with top-tier golf courses and validation through academic research. The result was ThatchZyme—a breakthrough sprayable solution for fast, non-disruptive thatch breakdown.

The ZymeCO team is committed to transforming the turf and agricultural industries by harnessing the power of nature and biotechnology to create sustainable, high-performance products.
L-R: Tad Huber, Michael Cantrell, Mark Slavens, Phil Dwyer
Meet the team behind the science
We create advanced bio-solutions inspired by nature’s most powerful recyclers. Our technology transforms organic matter into rich, living soil and supercharges plant growth—delivering sustainable, high-performance results for agriculture and turf management.
Mark Slavens
CEO
With over 30 years in agriculture, pest control, and turfgrass management, Mark brings a wealth of experience to ZymeCO. His leadership roles at ScottsMiracle-Gro and hands-on management of golf courses across the Intermountain West have honed his expertise. Holding a BS and MS from Utah State University and a PhD from Cornell University, Mark is dedicated to advancing sustainable, high-performance solutions in turf and agriculture.
Thaddaus Huber
Founder & CTO
A fervent advocate for fermentation technology, Thaddaus specializes in protein engineering and biomanufacturing. His academic journey includes a BS from Ohio State University, a PhD from Colorado State University, and postdoctoral research at the University of Washington's Institute for Protein Design. Thaddaus is passionate about leveraging fungal systems to develop innovative biological products for turf and agriculture.
Michael Cantrell
Founder & CSO
Michael's passion for biotechnology drives his work in developing sustainable solutions for turfgrass and agriculture. With a PhD in Botany from Colorado State University and over 15 years in biological engineering, his expertise encompasses algal and plant physiology, as well as biomanufacturing. As a co-founder of Colorado Biofactory, Michael leads research in enzyme degradation and fungal fermentation to create ZymeCO's core products.
Phil Dwyer
VP Sales & Marketing
Phil's journey in turfgrass began in high school and evolved through academic achievements—a BS, MS, and PhD in Turfgrass Pathology from Michigan State University. His practical experience spans top-tier golf courses and leadership in turfgrass product development. At ZymeCO, Phil spearheads sales and marketing initiatives, driving innovation and customer engagement.
Glen Thompson
SE Regional Sales Manager - Turf
Glen’s career in turfgrass began at 13 on a driving range and evolved into decades of industry experience. He holds a degree in Turfgrass Management from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and has worked across golf, sports turf, and landscape sectors. At ZymeCO, Glen delivers science-backed solutions tailored to the Southeast’s unique turf challenges.
Jenny Phillips
Director of Marketing
Jenny is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a passion for marketing and agriculture. A marketing leader for 20 years with a focus on turf and agriculture the past 17, Jenny has held various marketing, management, and leadership roles. Jenny is excited to be part of the ZymeCo team and bringing new and innovative products to the turf and ag industries.
John Nelson
Manufacturing Lead
After earning a BS in Fermentation Science and Technology from Colorado State University, John has gained experience across a range of manufacturing environments, both large and small. The possibilities within biotechnology captivate him, and he is eager to leverage his quality management and process improvement expertise in biotech operations.
